A Communication team member of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), Richard Manuribe, has called for calm among Ghanaians in response to a viral video showing some members taking a blood oath.

Speaking on Adom FM's morning show, Dwaso Nsem Thursday, Mr. Manuribe clarified that the ceremony, which occurred in 2019, involved the swearing-in of newly appointed Directors of Election.

He emphasized that the content has been misreported and misinterpreted.

Mr. Manuribe stated, "The NDC is aware of the video because the party organized the event. I was there and part of the people sworn in, but it is never true that there was any pledge to sacrifice our lives and that of our firstborns. It was an oath of allegiance and secrecy."

He pointed out that the Director of Elections is now Dr. Omane-Boamah, not Afriyie-Ankrah, who was part of the ceremony.

In the video, NDC stalwarts, including Elvis Afriyie Ankrah and Daniel Amartey Mensah, were seen taking secret vows in a meeting.

“By this sword, I vow, that if I compromise, and sell my party out for money for this coming election, may I die and my first born also die in my place, so help me God. Amen,” Mr Ankrah said, holding the sword upright, while barefooted.

The video is believed to be part of the efforts by the NDC to ensure that its members do not betray the party or its flagbearer, John Mahama, who is seeking to return to power after losing the 2020 election to the incumbent President, Nana Akufo-Addo of the New Patriotic Party (NPP).

However, Mr. Manuribe clarified that the oath was about allegiance to the party and job secrecy, not pledging lives or firstborns.

NDC Executives pledge to die with their firstborns if they sell out their party in the 2024 elections#DwasoNsem #BlackStars Ursula The NPP Nana Kwame Bediako Ghana John Mahama The NDC SDA Church Addo D East Legon Ekumfi Mepe 02 Arena Faila Ashanti Region pic.twitter.com/e4UTEPpgQN— Adom 106.3 FM (@Adom1063fm) January 17, 2024

He dismissed the video as a deliberate attempt to divert attention from pressing national issues, claiming that the footage had been doctored.

Mr. Manuribe asserted, "Why will he swear by blood and our firstborn? Afriyie Ankrah, for instance, is a committed Christian and will not do any such thing. All we did was to swear allegiance to the job."

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